According to Tycsports, Mourinho wants to add two more players to Real Madrid's squad, including a Modrić-type midfielder and a center-back. Enzo is the first choice for midfield, but his price tag exceeding 100 million euros makes the deal difficult to advance.
Real Madrid has already completed four signings: Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Konaté, and Dumfries, but the squad is not yet complete. The Portuguese coach also wants to bring in two more players: a midfielder who can orchestrate play from deep and has a style similar to Luka Modrić, and a center-back. For the midfield position, Mourinho's first choice is Enzo, but the transfer fee exceeds 100 million euros, and financial considerations also complicate negotiations.
In addition to the Argentine, West Ham United's Matheus Fernandes is also on Mourinho's midfield shortlist. However, with the English club relegated to the Championship, his market value has not dropped as sharply as expected, and several Premier League clubs—particularly Manchester United and Tottenham—are interested in him, with a potential asking price of around 80 million euros.
A new name recently emerged: Lille's Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, who impressed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, aligning with Real Madrid's strategy of identifying emerging talent from major tournaments. This is more of a long-term investment, valued at approximately 60 million euros, though several top European clubs are also monitoring him. Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP appears to have been ruled out; he is more of a physical, defensive midfielder, which does not suit Mourinho's requirements.
The center-back position depends on whether Raúl Asensio departs. The club plans to sell him alongside Ceballos and Fran García. If this move is completed, Real Madrid will have an opening, and Mourinho hopes to fill it with either Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni or Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck.
Bastoni is valued at around 70 million euros and currently holds the advantage after Schlotterbeck suffered an ankle ligament injury during the World Cup, which will sideline the German defender for approximately two months. Schlotterbeck recently renewed his contract with Dortmund, which includes a release clause for select clubs, including Real Madrid, set at approximately 50 million euros. Rúben Dias of Manchester City was previously considered but is no longer in contention.
Beyond these two priority targets, Mourinho has not ruled out signing another penalty-box striker—a forward capable of holding up play and finishing chances, similar to the role Joselu briefly filled at Real Madrid during the 2023-24 season. This is not a priority, but the coach will consider it if a suitable opportunity emerges. Meanwhile, Mourinho plans to assess academy prospects Gonzalo and Franco Mastantuono during preseason preparations beginning July 13 before deciding on their future with the club.
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